Hundreds celebrate at 18th annual West Indian Carnival Parade in Jersey City

Jersey City was alive Saturday with the colors, sounds, and music of the Caribbean as hundreds celebrated the 18th annual West Indian Carnival Parade.

"Today we dine and celebrate our rich culture," said Cheryl D.B. Murphy, president of the Jersey City West Indian Carnival Association, which organized the event.

Celebrated every year on the last Saturday of July, the city's West Indian Carnival stems from the carnival season that sweeps through South America and the Caribbean every February before the 40-day Christian observance of Lent.

The celebration began at 9 a.m. with a scholarship breakfast at Michael Anthony's restaurant, 502 Washington Blvd., and the parade stepped off from Lincoln Park around noon and wound its way to City Hall on Grove Street.

Awards were handed out to best band of the year, best male and female character costume, and best sound truck. The celebration continued until 9 p.m. at Exchange Place with a feast and musical performances by artists including the legendary Calypso Rose, Lyrical, and Lennox Picu.

"It's our culture that's totally embedded in our minds, hearts, and souls," Murphy said moments before the first band began its performance in front of hundreds of flag-waving spectators by City Hall.

Ward B Councilman Khemraj "Chico" Ramchal enjoyed music, food, and friends. He immigrated to the United States from Guyana in 1993 and became the first West Indian elected into the council in May.

"I always get full support from the West Indian community and I give full support," said Ramchal.

Derek Parsons, of Queens, who emceed the performances by City Hall, said the carnival is unique "because of the flavors, the colors, the food, (and) the music (that) brings everyone together."